Masonry Magazine August 2007 Page. 6

Words: Brett Martin, Myron Lee
Masonry Magazine August 2007 Page. 6

Masonry Magazine August 2007 Page. 6
From the Editor
Moving Forward to a Better Tomorrow

Jennie Farnsworth, editor
jen@lionhrtpub.com

Almost everyday in our business lives, we come across situations that require a little more thought. We've all been in scenarios where we've had to take a step back and assess the advantages, disadvantages and powers at play both positive and negative behind such situations. Sometimes it really can be a tough call between going down one path or choosing another, especially when it comes to your livelihood.

Some of the best ways to improve your business and your life are to take an educated chance. I'm not referring to a move that might put something of value at risk for little return; I'm referring to taking the next step and putting a little bit more effort into making things better. You have to calculate the possible expense and effort compared to the possibility of creating a better situation for you and your company in the long run.

Some of the **best ways to improve your business** and your **life** are to **take** an educated **chance**.

The August issue of Masonry offers a subtle theme centered on these business decisions, such as: changing the direction of your company to include a new niche, like repairs, rehabs and restoration work; becoming educated so that your company avoids industry problems, such as using uncertified planking; or looking into better ways to train your employees, now and into the future.

This idea can be taken a step further when looking at the Mason Contractors Association of America's (MCAA) initiative to promote the masonry industry with its National Mason Contractor Certification program. Like anything else, you certainly have to weigh the work, expense, risk and potential outcome to see if it's a good investment for your business' future. However, this reflection must be made on truthful facts, not inaccurate rumors and innuendos (see page 6).

I believe that if you weigh the facts, the national certification program offers advantages and benefits that far outweigh the work and little expense involved. The only risk involved is not moving forward with such a program.

MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Industry

# MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association

# MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President Frank Campite
Vice President Tom Daniel
Secretary Mackie Bounds
Treasurer Shk

Regional Vice Presidents
Robert V. Barnes, k Douglas Nichols
Ron Bennett Tin Spiker
Edvin Davenport Mie Sutter
Mark Kemp Roy Swindal

Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz

# EXECUTIVE STAFF
Director of Government Affairs Jessica Johnson Be
Manager of Information Technology Timothy W. 0
Events Coordinator Erin Andersoe
Controller Liz Fidoruk
Administrative Assistant Renee Stevens
Consultant Raskod Johesce

# EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Robert L. Nelson (Robert L. Nelson & Associates, Inc.), David Jollaye
Masonry Contractors), John Chrysler (MM), Jet Melander (PCA), Dav
(PttConstruction Connith Masonry Co
(Grant/Jack's Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc.), Doug N
(Doug Nichols Enterprises, G. Alan Giffin (Griffin Contracting, Inc.), Tom
(GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction Inc.)

Executive Office
33 South Roselle Rad
Schaumburg, IL 60093
Phone: 847.301.0001 or 800.536.2225
Fax 847301.1110

MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMCA). The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Comments expressed by officers do not necessarily reflect the official views of MCAA or CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information does not constitute an endorsement by MCAA or DMCA of product featured.

# MASONRY ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICE
Send all advertising and editorial submissions for Masone
Lionheart Publishing, Inc.
506 Roswell Street, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30000 USA
770.4310867 Fax: 770.432.0000

Per An evelyn lewellynotub
Editor Jessie Farnsworth (jeno.co
Contributing Editor Tom Inglesbyom@edit.com)
AE Cary Sekine Petite (cryp
Art Director Alan Brubaker (albruke
Production Designer Christopher John (chrij
Production Assistant Katong (katwong@lonetpub.com)
Online Projects Ma Paton McGinley (pato
Advertising Sales Manie Diamond (manortub
Reprints

The Voice of the Masonry Industry


The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin